PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) — To help dads relax on Sunday, Panama City Quality of Life decided to take care of them on Saturday.
The event included a fun-filled day of fishing and dolphin watching.
At the marina in St. Andrews, many fathers with families were seen fishing rods in hand.
There will be temporary road closures near Pier Park due to parades for the Grand Slam tournament.
Quality of Life in Panama City made sure every dad was well taken care of on his special day.
Saturday marked the third annual Father’s Day Fishing Event at the marina.
“We chose the day before so people can spend Father’s Day however they want. Some like to go to church, some like to have an early dinner, some like to go on a trip. So we don’t want to take over their Father’s Day, but we want to show our appreciation. So we want to offer them a day to enjoy Father’s Day fishing,” said Tatiana Bell, Panama City Recreation Program Coordinator.
Many fathers jumped at the opportunity.
There were multiple food trucks and a raffle for free fishing poles and bait, which many people took advantage of.
“Spending time with my wife and kids, that’s what it’s all about,” attendee Myron Vann said.
“We came here with my sons, daughter and wife to fish and soak up the sun. It’s very relaxing and fun. It’s a great time and I’m glad the city puts on this event. It’s nice to get the whole family out,” said participant Tom Mosley.
Nearly 200 people showed up and caught some fish.
“We caught baby snapper, puffer fish and some rock fish,” participant Kimya Johnson said.
Besides the all-day fishing, the most popular attraction among spectators was the free dolphin tour.
“The population is growing, the dolphin tours are growing, so the community is growing. We’re very happy about that,” Bell said.
There were three dolphin tours available on a first come, first served basis.
The first 72 people admitted to the event had the chance to observe the adorable dolphins in action.
Hundreds of kids had a great time at the 21st Annual Callaway Kids Fishing Rodeo
“We live in the area. We’ve been living here for almost two years now and we were looking to do more nature-based activities. Dolphins are my favorite animal,” participant Anisha Weimer said.
“I loved the free cruise. It was awesome. We got to see all the dolphins and then we came back and hung out with them on the pier,” participant Chad Kaplowitz said.
“I mean, when you’re in the water, everything in your mind just disappears and you just watch in amazement,” Charlie and Kimya Johnson said.
The Johnsons said they enjoyed the free tour so much that they plan to come back on Sunday to experience it again.
As it turns out, the executives just wanted to show dads a little love on Father’s Day.
“Mothers are always loved on Mother’s Day, but we don’t want to forget fathers, so we want to let them know that fathers matter too. No matter what’s going on, whether you were raised by your father, whether you were raised by both parents or just your mother, fathers matter. We want to emphasize that,” Bell said.
Panama City Recreation Program Coordinator Tatiana Bell said the event wouldn’t have been possible without the city’s support and she looks forward to hosting it again next year.
